Grand Rapids, Mich. – Saying thank you to a caring community is too important to for a local organization to cancel their annual event.

St. John’s Home, a non-profit child and adolescent agency in Grand Rapids, will recognize volunteers, donors and friends of the organization at its annual community appreciation luncheon, Celebrate St. John’s Home, on Wednesday, April 22nd at the Dominican Center at Marywood, 11:45am-1:00pm. Members of the media are welcome to attend. RSVP required.

During the event, St. John’s Home will recognize outstanding contributions including, Volunteer of the Year, Distinguished Service, Advocate of the Year and donors for their valuable support.

By hosting this annual event, St. John's Home underscores the need to share its gratitude even in tough economic times. “St. John's Home would not exist if not for the charitable support of our community. Hundreds of children benefit from the care, compassion and generosity of our supporters. Our impact is dependent on volunteers, donors, individuals and businesses. This recognition luncheon is our way of saying thank you to the community for caring about vulnerable children.” said Lisa Bonney, St. John’s Home Vice President for Development.

Volunteers and donors are essential to the success of the organization’s programs which provide residential services to abused and neglected children. However, only 70% of the cost of a child to go through its program is provided by the state. Thanks to the support of donors, children get the chance at a normal childhood – complete with camping trips, new backpacks, home-cooked meals and bikes.

For the first time, the Celebrate St. John’s event will be sponsored by long time St. John’s Home corporate partner, Baudville. A local provider of employee recognition and award products, Baudville is well informed on the positive impact recognition can have on an organization.

Brad Darooge, Baudville President and CEO, indicated: “Recognition has a valuable impact on the retention and engagement of employees, volunteers and donors alike. We hope this year’s Celebrate St. John’s will bring a great return on investment to this valuable community organization.”

The partnership between St. John’s Home and Baudville is especially fitting for this special event. “Baudville has long been an active supporter of St. John’s Home, and partnering with them for this occasion just makes sense,” said Bonney.

Celebrate St. John’s Home Appreciation LuncheonMembers of the media are welcome to attend the appreciation luncheon and awards presentation Wednesday, April 22nd at the Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 Fulton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503. The event begins at 11:45am and runs until 1:00pm. RSVP required to Laura Kruisenga at (616) 361-4131 or lkruisenga@stjohnshome.org.

Baudville (www.baudville.com) is a leading provider of employee recognition and award products. Baudville’s innovative recognition products empower managers and human resources professionals to actively practice recognition in their organizations. Baudville has been declared one of the best companies to work for in its area and strives to create the ultimate work experience for its employees.

Baudville’s support of St. John’s Home is made possible through its charitable fund, Baudville’s Helping Hand. More information on this part of Baudville can be found at www.baudvilleshelpinghand.org.

St. John’s Home (www.stjohnshome.org) St. John's Home is a caring place for boys and girls who have been harmed by abuse and neglect. Over 700 children each year receive compassionate care, therapeutic intervention and a safe haven to live, grow and thrive. St. John's Home provides emergency shelter care for any Kent County child when abuse or neglect is suspected and intensive residential therapy for children who have been victims of abuse. St. John's Home welcomes inquires about our programs or ways to make a difference in the lives of our community's children.

Images and company logos can be obtained by emailing pr@baudville.com or by phone at (616) 698-0889.